One step owners can take to prevent a potential tragedy from befalling their cats is to use a less-toxic propylene-glycol based antifreeze in the car. Most brands of commercial antifreeze consist of 95-percent ethylene glycol, an extremely toxic chemical.

Even a few licks of this sweet-tasting liquid can be fatal to a cat or dog. (Ethylene-glycol based antifreeze is also extremely hazardous to children. A few ounces are lethal).

Propylene glycol, on the other hand — although not entirely nontoxic — is considerably less toxic than ethylene glycol.

When you or a member of your household changes antifreeze in the driveway, be sure to collect all of the waste coolant and properly dispose of it.

And never leave a bucket of ethylene-glycol coolant unattended — even for a moment.

Also remember that your car can leak coolant at any time.

If you see a puddle of greenish-colored liquid in your driveway, flush the area with plenty of water and don’t delay locating and fixing the leak.

If your standard practice is to take the car to a mechanic for its winter preparations, be sure to ask specifically for a propylene-glycol based antifreeze. (But be prepared to pay a little more).There are several nationally available propylene-glycol antifreezes on the market, including:

Sierra (Safe Brands Corporation, 1-800-289-7234)

Sta-Clean (Sta-Clean Products, 1-800-825-3464)

A number of regional companies also offer propylene-glycol antifreeze in regional markets or in bulk quantities.

ICE MELTS and SALTS-PET HAZARDS

Pets may be exposed to ice melts that have been spilled, applied to sidewalks, or improperly stored.

The most common clinical signs are vomiting.

Other effects include diarrhea, salivation, depression, and loss of appetite, disorientation, increased thirst, seizures and even death.

Before initiating treatment for ice melt products, it is critical to know the ingredients and the animal’s health status.

Electrolyte levels should be taken to determine the possible toxin.

Inducing vomiting is controversial if the product contains large amounts of potassium chloride.

Activated charcoal does not absorb the salts in ice melts.

If an animal walks on or rolls through the product etc. bathe the pet and monitor it for skin irritation.

This product is more toxic to ruminants (cows) the monogastric animals (dogs, cats, people). Ingestion if urea by dogs usually results in local irritant signs such as hyper salivation, GI signs of vomiting, and abdominal pain.

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